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Understanding Nutrition

January 15, 2007

Do you understand the basics of nutrition?

In order to promote good physical and mental health it is important to have a good understanding of nutrition. There have been numerous studies in this area. We are all aware that we must follow certain guidelines to maintain our health. The real question is: Do we apply it?

Fortunately, people today are taking notice and making changes in their lives to include proper nutrition and exercise for a healthier life.

Understanding nutrition is crucial if you want to possess a healthy body and mind. Nature has everything one needs to promote growth, immune system, mental alertness, physical strength and so on. A balanced diet, i.e. a diet which includes all the nutrients required by the body, is difficult to maintain without a basic understanding of nutrition.

So, What Does Understanding nutrition Involve?

Whatever you eat has an impact on your body. A normal meal would contain carbohydrates, fat, protein and water. Each one of these, depending on how they are consumed and in what quantity they are consumed, influence the way our body feels, works, reacts and ages.

There are four areas:
1. Carbohydrates
2. Fat
3. Protein
4 Water

1. Carbohydrates – this is the fuel of the body. The liver and the muscles of the body need sufficient intake of carbohydrates in order to maintain good health. There are two major types of carbs, (i) simple, which are usually sweet (eg. fructose, sucrose, glucose, etc) and (ii) complex, which are starch based (eg. corn, brown rice, wheat, etc).

2. Fat – this is your body insulator and protector. Fat, taken in the required amount, moderates the metabolism and protects vital organs. The two major fats are (i) cholesterol and (ii) triglycerides. You can get cholesterol from seafood, eggs, dairy products and meat. The triglycerides – saturated, poly-saturated and mono-saturated fats – control the body weight and heart function.

3. Protein – this is one of the complex food compounds consisting of essential and non-essential amino-acids. The protein is crucial for growth and tissue repair of the body. The non-essential amino-acids are manufactured by the body itself while the essential amino-acids would have to be introduced into the body by consuming the right foods.

4. Water – the body need at least eight glasses of water every day. The right amount of water helps the body expel toxins, fight dehydration, prevent heat stroke, moderate body temperature, digestion and so many other functions. Humans can stay without food upto three weeks; however, they will die without water within 48 hours.

As you can see, it is important to understand these basic areas of nutrition to build good health. You also need to develop an exercise plan that you follow religiously. Combine good nutrition and proper exercise and you increase your chances for living a long and healthy life.